Hardy Fuchsia Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis
ABOUT
Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis, commonly known as hardy fuchsia or hummingbird fuchsia, is a shrub that boasts a lush appearance with a profusion of striking flowers and green foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped with a slight serration along the edges, presenting a deep green hue that serves as a perfect backdrop for its flowers. The flowers are the most distinctive feature, typically dangling from the branches like elegant ear-drops. They consist of elongated tubes with a graceful swell, flaring at the end into sepals that are usually a shade of pink or light purple. From these sepals, the softer inner petals emerge, often displaying a vibrant purple, pink, or red color, which creates a stunning contrast. The stamens extend from the center, adding a subtle, delicate touch. This variety of hardy fuchsia is notable for its graceful branches that tend to arch with the weight of the flowers, giving the plant an elegant stance. The blossoms appear in abundance from early summer until the first frosts, offering a long-lasting display of color. The plant is favored by pollinators, especially hummingbirds, who are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers. Overall, the hardy fuchsia presents a captivating and colorful aesthetic with its contrasting foliage and spectacular flowers, which contribute to its popularity in gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onagraceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Fuchsia, Hummingbird Fuchsia, Lady's Eardrops.
Common names
Fuchsia magellanica subsp. gracilis, Fuchsia gracilis.
ToxicityTo humans
Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis, commonly known as hardy fuchsia, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming parts of this plant, and it doesn't typically pose a risk if accidentally ingested in small quantities. That being said, eating non-food plants is generally not recommended, and consuming large amounts of any plant material could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, like nausea or vomiting.
To pets
Hardy fuchsia is also considered non-toxic to pets. It's not known to cause serious illness or poisoning if pets consume parts of the plant. However, as with humans, ingestion of non-food plant materials can lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals, so it is advisable to keep an eye on your pet and contact a veterinarian if you notice symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea after they have ingested part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Chile Argentina
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis, commonly known as 'Hardy Fuchsia', adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its striking flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: The tubular flowers of Hardy Fuchsia are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, which are known to be key pollinators, as well as butterflies and bees.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Hardy Fuchsia requires relatively little care, making it a suitable choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Shade Tolerance: The plant can thrive in partial shade, providing flexibility in garden design and the option to plant under trees or in other shaded areas where many plants would struggle.
- Long Blooming Period: With a bloom period extending from early summer into late fall, Hardy Fuchsia offers a prolonged display of flowers when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Versatility: Hardy Fuchsia can be planted in a variety of settings, including borders, containers, and as a focal point in garden beds.
- Cold Tolerance: Being a 'hardy' variety, it can survive in cooler temperatures and resist mild frosts, broadening the regions where it can be grown.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fuchsia can be used for creating natural dyes. The flowers and berries of the hardy fuchsia can be used to produce a range of purple and pink dyes for textiles.
- The shrub can be trained to create living garden structures. With careful pruning and training, hardy fuchsia can be shaped into garden arches or living fences.
- It can be used in floral arrangements. The striking flowers of hardy fuchsia make them an attractive addition to bouquets and flower arrangements.
- Fuchsia berries can be turned into preserves. The berries of hardy fuchsia are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and chutneys.
- Fuchsia plants can be used for bonsai. With proper care, the hardy fuchsia, due to its naturally graceful shape, is suitable for bonsai cultivation.
- They can be a food source for wildlife. The flowers and berries of hardy fuchsia provide a food source for pollinators and birds.
- Hardy fuchsia can be used in companion planting. It can be planted alongside other plants to create a diverse and attractive garden ecosystem.
- The branches of the hardy fuchsia can be used for crafting. Flexible young stems can be woven into baskets or other decorative items.
- As a teaching tool in botany classes. The hardy fuchsia's distinct flowers can be used to demonstrate the parts of a flower and plant reproduction to students.
- They can add acoustic softening to gardens. The dense foliage of hardy fuchsia can help to soften and absorb sound, creating a more peaceful garden environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hard Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hard Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace: Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis, commonly known as Hummingbird Fuchsia, boasts delicate teardrop-shaped flowers that give it an air of elegance and poise, befitting the symbolism of grace.
- Good Taste: The Hummingbird Fuchsia's tasteful appearance, with bright, vivid hues and graceful drooping petals, symbolizes a sense of refinement and discerning aesthetic preferences.
- Confiding Love: Traditionally, the giving of a fuchsia flower could imply a confiding, trusting love, suggesting the blossom as a confidant for one's deep affections.
- Overflowing Abundance: The way the Hummingbird Fuchsia blooms prolifically, with many flowers blossoming simultaneously, represents joyous abundance and overflowing generosity.
WaterHardy Fuchsia requires consistent moisture, so it's important to water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This commonly results in watering about once or twice a week, but this can vary based on climate conditions and pot size. Use room temperature water, pouring slowly at the base of the plant until you see excess water drain from the bottom, which might be around 16-32 onzes for a standard pot during each watering. During the active growing season in spring and summer, they may need more frequent watering, while in the cooler fall and winter, watering frequency should be reduced.
LightHardy Fuchsia thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight, where it receives bright but indirect light. It's best to place them in a spot protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch their leaves, but they still need enough light to encourage vibrant blooms. An east- or north-facing location is often ideal, providing sufficient light without the intensity of full sun.
TemperatureHardy Fuchsia prefers moderate temperatures and does best in a range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging, so provide protection or move the plant indoors in colder climates. The ideal condition is a consistent, temperate environment without extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningPrune Hardy Fuchsia in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health and appearance. A light pruning is often sufficient, and during the blooming season, deadheading spent flowers will promote continued blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hard Fuchsia should be well-draining with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, providing a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0.
RepottingHard Fuchsia should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & MistingHard Fuchsia thrives in moderate to high humidity, with ideal levels ranging from 60% to 70%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleFuchsia magellanica var. gracilis, commonly known as Hardy Fuchsia, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in moist, well-draining soil in spring. The seedlings grow into bushy shrubs with slender branches and lance-shaped leaves, entering a vegetative state where they focus on producing foliage. As they mature, typically in late spring to early summer, they start forming characteristic pendulous flowers with a long blooming period that can last till fall, which are pollinated by birds and insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dark-purple fruits, which, when ripe, release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. The plant may enter a period of dormancy in winter, especially in cooler climates, where it can die back and then re-sprout from the base or roots when conditions become favorable in spring again. Hardy Fuchsia can also be propagated via cuttings taken in late summer, which skip seed germination and directly develop into new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
Fuchsia magellanica var. gracilis, commonly known as hardy fuchsia, is most popularly propagated through softwood cuttings in the late spring or early summer. The process involves selecting healthy, non-flowering shoots of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. These cuttings should be snipped just below a leaf node and all but the top few leaves should be removed. The base of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix or propagating medium. The pot should be kept in a warm, shaded place and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. To create a humid environment, one can also cover the pot with a plastic bag, making sure it doesn't touch the leaves. Roots typically develop within 3 to 4 weeks, after which the new hardy fuchsia can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and finally planted in its permanent location.
